Written By Sophie
Nov. 29, 2016, 2:20 p.m.(4/2/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Antonio
It has been brought to my attention that Prince Antonio Velenosa has taken offense to something I said and has since publicly expressed his displeasure. As such, I feel that I would be remiss to not offer a public reply. The others who were present are welcome to weigh in with their perceptions. I would ask, however, of those of you reading this or hearing about it, please let this be a cautionary tale that reminds all of us to examine any prejudices and preconceived notions we may hold against our fellows in the Compact -- and how we perceive ourselves may get in the way of making inroads with those we would and should have concord.
It began when Prince Antonio took offense when a certain Northlander referred to every realm south of the Northlands as 'the South'. Alas, it was not a matter of incorrect geography -- after all, one can easily see Cloudspine's location in relation to Farhaven -- but more that it was both abhorrent and unthinkable that House Velenosa ever be lumped in with the likes of House Valardin. As his Highness put it, our people have very different values.
Now, I will take full responsibility for the quip I made, at that point, in regard to certain Houses of the Lyceum whose values seen more aligned with those of the Oathlands, and how House Valardin would heartily welcome them under our banner were House Velenosa to gift them to us. Prince Antonio took that to mean that House Valardin had actual designs to steal Velenosan vassals. In all fairness, many cannot fathom Oathlanders possessing senses of humor, so in that sense, the misunderstanding is understandable. That people doubt House Valardin's commitment to unity, however, is in and of itself distressing. It is clear that my family must do a better job of demonstrating our sincerity.
Where things escalated, however, is when Prince Antonio obliquely denigrated the virtues and values that my family and our vassals hold so dear. So it was that I sought fit to remind him that some of those very same virtues are the reason he even is alive today. The short of it is that he did not appreciate the history lesson.
Let me be frank: the War of the Dragon's Fury was a tragedy on many levels, for both the Oathlands and the Lyceum. And although I understand why some of the Lycene wish to not remember how thoroughly they were crushed beneath the righteous wrath of Princess Igraine, the Sword of the South, they should nonetheless be grateful that her mercy -- one of those Valardin values so readily mocked -- is the reason why there are any foxes at all.
Should you have made it this far, thank you, and now I shall close with this: Please revisit the collective history of the Compact, in the Main Hall and in each hall of the Great Houses. Ask others to do so, as well. Be grateful for the lessons to be found there that have been preserved for us all. Let us learn from those mistakes and do better. Let us carry on positive parts of our legacies. I would wish this even if we did not have common enemies that seek to destroy us all. The fact remains, though, that we will all fall should we not stand together, and that centuries of acrimony and distrust will not be healed overnight. So we must remain vigilant and tender and relentless in treating those wounds.
It began when Prince Antonio took offense when a certain Northlander referred to every realm south of the Northlands as 'the South'. Alas, it was not a matter of incorrect geography -- after all, one can easily see Cloudspine's location in relation to Farhaven -- but more that it was both abhorrent and unthinkable that House Velenosa ever be lumped in with the likes of House Valardin. As his Highness put it, our people have very different values.
Now, I will take full responsibility for the quip I made, at that point, in regard to certain Houses of the Lyceum whose values seen more aligned with those of the Oathlands, and how House Valardin would heartily welcome them under our banner were House Velenosa to gift them to us. Prince Antonio took that to mean that House Valardin had actual designs to steal Velenosan vassals. In all fairness, many cannot fathom Oathlanders possessing senses of humor, so in that sense, the misunderstanding is understandable. That people doubt House Valardin's commitment to unity, however, is in and of itself distressing. It is clear that my family must do a better job of demonstrating our sincerity.
Where things escalated, however, is when Prince Antonio obliquely denigrated the virtues and values that my family and our vassals hold so dear. So it was that I sought fit to remind him that some of those very same virtues are the reason he even is alive today. The short of it is that he did not appreciate the history lesson.
Let me be frank: the War of the Dragon's Fury was a tragedy on many levels, for both the Oathlands and the Lyceum. And although I understand why some of the Lycene wish to not remember how thoroughly they were crushed beneath the righteous wrath of Princess Igraine, the Sword of the South, they should nonetheless be grateful that her mercy -- one of those Valardin values so readily mocked -- is the reason why there are any foxes at all.
Should you have made it this far, thank you, and now I shall close with this: Please revisit the collective history of the Compact, in the Main Hall and in each hall of the Great Houses. Ask others to do so, as well. Be grateful for the lessons to be found there that have been preserved for us all. Let us learn from those mistakes and do better. Let us carry on positive parts of our legacies. I would wish this even if we did not have common enemies that seek to destroy us all. The fact remains, though, that we will all fall should we not stand together, and that centuries of acrimony and distrust will not be healed overnight. So we must remain vigilant and tender and relentless in treating those wounds.
Written By Eirene
Nov. 29, 2016, 11:12 a.m.(4/2/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Antonio
Of course it's a fortress. Does he think I'm a fucking idiot? That's not something you boast about openly. You leave that a gods damned surprise for the idiot stupid enough to try to take it.
He's all fancy words and 'Oh the sea is my mistress'. Please. Get off the high horse and back on your boat. When you're making jabs at Princess fucking Sophie? She's damned Mercy and couldn't hurt a fly if it landed on her nose and sat there motionless for a week.
He's all fancy words and 'Oh the sea is my mistress'. Please. Get off the high horse and back on your boat. When you're making jabs at Princess fucking Sophie? She's damned Mercy and couldn't hurt a fly if it landed on her nose and sat there motionless for a week.
Written By Anze
Nov. 29, 2016, 9:06 a.m.(4/2/1005 AR)
Southerners are weird. I think I might be into that.
Written By Alis
Nov. 29, 2016, 7:48 a.m.(4/1/1005 AR)
I must admit I have a difficult time understanding how anyone could walk away from a discussion that includes my dearest cousin the Mercy, and say vituperatve things of her. Perhaps there is a dead rodent lodged up their evacuation orifice.
Written By Joscelin
Nov. 29, 2016, 4:38 a.m.(4/1/1005 AR)
Blessed are the spring winds and the rains, and the returning of the Sun.
Written By Leola
Nov. 29, 2016, 3:26 a.m.(4/1/1005 AR)
By His Grace Duke Reginald Cloppington IV, I need a drink. I need ALL the drinks.
Written By Antonio
Nov. 29, 2016, 3:11 a.m.(4/1/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Eirene
Don't get me wrong, the Malvici are formidable. But come now. Who can look upon the Palace of Lenosia and not recognize a fortress when they see it, and is warrior-trained?
As if Velenosa would ever allow ourselves to be at the mercy of anyone.
As if Velenosa would ever allow ourselves to be at the mercy of anyone.
Written By Antonio
Nov. 29, 2016, 3:10 a.m.(4/1/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Felix
I do need a new cutless, no matter how much it pains me to say so. A man is his sword, is he not? But I lost my sword in the Deeps to those godless skavs.
He is also easy on the eyes. That never hurts.
He is also easy on the eyes. That never hurts.
Written By Antonio
Nov. 29, 2016, 3:07 a.m.(4/1/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Anze
I did not think there was anything my people could have in common with his: they are a mountain people, we are the scions of the sea.
But perhaps we are not so different. Certainly, the Lyceum enjoys its pretense and civilization, but cast that away, and we seem to be peoples who embrace living.
Perhaps we should be looking for closer allegiance to House Redrain.
But perhaps we are not so different. Certainly, the Lyceum enjoys its pretense and civilization, but cast that away, and we seem to be peoples who embrace living.
Perhaps we should be looking for closer allegiance to House Redrain.
Written By Antonio
Nov. 29, 2016, 3:05 a.m.(4/1/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Belladonna
Beautiful and clever, she is not a lady to be second guessed.
House Pravus is well served by its Duchess, and Velenosa has in its circle a vassal worth respecting-- and watching closely.
House Pravus is well served by its Duchess, and Velenosa has in its circle a vassal worth respecting-- and watching closely.
Written By Antonio
Nov. 29, 2016, 3:04 a.m.(4/1/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Sophie
She speaks of ambitions that can not be accepted; a lady of Mercy, yet she threatens war.
If she thinks Velenosa will tolerate Valardin interference with our vassals and the Lyceum, she will find herself gravely mistaken.
We remember the Dragons wrath. They seem to have forgotten ours.
If she thinks Velenosa will tolerate Valardin interference with our vassals and the Lyceum, she will find herself gravely mistaken.
We remember the Dragons wrath. They seem to have forgotten ours.
Written By Victus
Nov. 28, 2016, 5:21 p.m.(3/28/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Hammar
Saw him handle Anze Redrain like a chewtoy. Imagine if his head hadn't been half caved in and there was something there behind his dull eyes.
Bit of a fucking shame, ain't it?
Not the first man I've met with that condition, give or take a few fucking particulars. If you make your life's work violence, that's just another facet of the job. You risk your limbs and you risk your own fucking self.
Heard someone say they'd rather die than lose themselves like that. What would old Hammar have thought if he saw himself?
Me, I think if I'd still been able to fight and fuck and drink and be happy, I'd settle for a few more years in the world. Was never the brightest man anyway. Was never particularly happy either, come to think of it.
Bit of a fucking shame, ain't it?
Not the first man I've met with that condition, give or take a few fucking particulars. If you make your life's work violence, that's just another facet of the job. You risk your limbs and you risk your own fucking self.
Heard someone say they'd rather die than lose themselves like that. What would old Hammar have thought if he saw himself?
Me, I think if I'd still been able to fight and fuck and drink and be happy, I'd settle for a few more years in the world. Was never the brightest man anyway. Was never particularly happy either, come to think of it.
Written By Eirene
Nov. 28, 2016, 3:54 p.m.(3/27/1005 AR)
Carissa came from Southport along with Hadrian and a few of our other retainers. Her job is to mostly keep me from getting drunk and passing out under tables in bars (I kid). She's a good soldier and always has my back, and now that she's here I can refocus her on her medical training as she can already handle herself on a battlefield well.
I've voiced more than once that I fear someone will be targeting 'old' people. I'm not -that- old but Gods do I feel it sometimes. Having 'Rissa to back me if something goes down is reassuring.
I've voiced more than once that I fear someone will be targeting 'old' people. I'm not -that- old but Gods do I feel it sometimes. Having 'Rissa to back me if something goes down is reassuring.
Written By Calypso
Nov. 28, 2016, 3:14 p.m.(3/27/1005 AR)
I am so pleased that Matteo has joined my brother in his journey to Arx. He was the Captain of the Malvici Guard in Southport and I have appointed him to the same position here. I can think of no truer loyal servant to the family to keep close. His dutiful nature is unmatched, completing tasks with out question or resistance. He is incredibly observant and above all, discreet. A true confidant and adviser in his words. I know he will serve the family well in his position in the city.
Written By Alis
Nov. 28, 2016, 12:46 p.m.(3/27/1005 AR)
Rhys, A Valardin Knight
I am certain the poor soul that's been assigned as my babys.. I mean, 'aide-de-camp' is wondering what he's done in his years of apparently exemplary service to deserve this punishment disguised as a promotion. He seems pleasant enough, but is of course implacable about fulfilling the demands of his liege. I'd like to know where Edain finds these people. Does he have some sort of special intuition that points him towards those who are just too calm to be irritating? Forcing me to grudgingly accept their constant presence?
And of course, it is someone who survived Sanctum. That seems to make him doubly cautious about whatever he perceives as a threat to my safety. (This is how I know he's not entirely an aide-de-camp, brother. I see what you did there). On the plus side, he is tall enough to reach the shelves I usually need a step-ladder for. He also has one of those particularly menacing expressions, which is fun. We have worked out a signal so that he will scowl on demand for me. I hope he's being paid well (goodness knows he will earn it) - I will have to check the accounts.
I am certain the poor soul that's been assigned as my babys.. I mean, 'aide-de-camp' is wondering what he's done in his years of apparently exemplary service to deserve this punishment disguised as a promotion. He seems pleasant enough, but is of course implacable about fulfilling the demands of his liege. I'd like to know where Edain finds these people. Does he have some sort of special intuition that points him towards those who are just too calm to be irritating? Forcing me to grudgingly accept their constant presence?
And of course, it is someone who survived Sanctum. That seems to make him doubly cautious about whatever he perceives as a threat to my safety. (This is how I know he's not entirely an aide-de-camp, brother. I see what you did there). On the plus side, he is tall enough to reach the shelves I usually need a step-ladder for. He also has one of those particularly menacing expressions, which is fun. We have worked out a signal so that he will scowl on demand for me. I hope he's being paid well (goodness knows he will earn it) - I will have to check the accounts.
Written By Eirene
Nov. 28, 2016, 12:22 p.m.(3/27/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Sophie
A Princess Mercy of Lagoma - nice girl. Loves her history. I've offered to have my trained medics assist hers when situation arise, and to embed mine in any scouting parties or transports. She's offered me the use of hers if mine need them so long as they don't have to break vows. That's fine by me. My house words are a good solid guideline - neither fate nor chance. I won't leave it up to anyone else but I won't reject their help alongside my own works.
Written By Eirene
Nov. 28, 2016, 12:16 p.m.(3/27/1005 AR)
Since the topic of my love life has come up in a few conversations, I want to go on the record (literally, Ha!) about it.
One: Age, gender. Whatever. Attraction varies. A person's personality comes first, the rest is pretty packaging. A good liquor can come in a beautiful blown glass bottle or an old shoe for all I care as long as it tastes good. The beautiful package makes it much easier to look at, certainly, but it's the inner qualities that I'm drawn to.
Two: Don't -- well, can't quite say it the way I normally would but don't screw where you fight. Don't take friends, comrades in arms, servants, whatever -- don't take them as lovers when there's a chance you'll end up seeing them in pain on a battlefield. I take it a step further and basically extend this to anyone I spend any length of time around.
What are the chances I'll see this person again? If greater than zero, then it's not likely I'll take to bed with them. Avoid emotional entanglements, avoid awkwardness, avoid jealousy, avoid disappointment...
Just easier to go for someone you'll never have to deal with again.
I know many soldiers take it whenever they can get it, where-ever they can get it, and that's fine for them. If I'm passing through a town on a march, I'm not immune to the charms of whomever might be casting them up. But in my line of work, camp followers are fine and dandy as long as they don't actually 'follow' too much.
But when I'm stationed, like I am now - and don't get me wrong, I like being in Arx with the niece and nephew and the old Saik friends of mine... but this is a posting. When this is all over and done I'm going back to Southport to my duties there. But when I'm stationed? I don't want to risk getting too attached to someone I might lose, or disappoint someone I have to fight alongside.
One: Age, gender. Whatever. Attraction varies. A person's personality comes first, the rest is pretty packaging. A good liquor can come in a beautiful blown glass bottle or an old shoe for all I care as long as it tastes good. The beautiful package makes it much easier to look at, certainly, but it's the inner qualities that I'm drawn to.
Two: Don't -- well, can't quite say it the way I normally would but don't screw where you fight. Don't take friends, comrades in arms, servants, whatever -- don't take them as lovers when there's a chance you'll end up seeing them in pain on a battlefield. I take it a step further and basically extend this to anyone I spend any length of time around.
What are the chances I'll see this person again? If greater than zero, then it's not likely I'll take to bed with them. Avoid emotional entanglements, avoid awkwardness, avoid jealousy, avoid disappointment...
Just easier to go for someone you'll never have to deal with again.
I know many soldiers take it whenever they can get it, where-ever they can get it, and that's fine for them. If I'm passing through a town on a march, I'm not immune to the charms of whomever might be casting them up. But in my line of work, camp followers are fine and dandy as long as they don't actually 'follow' too much.
But when I'm stationed, like I am now - and don't get me wrong, I like being in Arx with the niece and nephew and the old Saik friends of mine... but this is a posting. When this is all over and done I'm going back to Southport to my duties there. But when I'm stationed? I don't want to risk getting too attached to someone I might lose, or disappoint someone I have to fight alongside.
Written By Ida
Nov. 28, 2016, 9:43 a.m.(3/27/1005 AR)
After making an inquiry to Sir Silas, I am seriously contemplating throwing my fists into the upcoming melee. Get it? Ha. More seriously, though, I truly am considering competing. It has been far too long since I've been in a good fight, though a melee against weapons is much different than one-on-one fisticuffs. At the very least, I may learn just where I stand with my skills and what yet needs work.
Besides, I think I wish to step away from the forge for a bit, except for particular commission requests and promises already made.
Besides, I think I wish to step away from the forge for a bit, except for particular commission requests and promises already made.
Written By Preston
Nov. 28, 2016, 7:12 a.m.(3/26/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Sophie
She is both gentle and kind, and though I would not claim to call her friend of yet, it would be my honor if she called me so.
I seek make more true my devotion to the Gods, and to Lagoma in particular for the moment, so I will be seeking her out. The Mercies of Lagoma are ever in need of aide, I think.
I seek make more true my devotion to the Gods, and to Lagoma in particular for the moment, so I will be seeking her out. The Mercies of Lagoma are ever in need of aide, I think.
Written By Preston
Nov. 28, 2016, 7:05 a.m.(3/26/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Victus
He questions my worth and the value of my calling: very well, so be it. It is but a small burden to bear in the name of the Gods. I will carry it as any other, and show him I bear it.
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